Quick-break double-throw switch



A. OAKES.

QUICK BREAK DOUBLE THROWSWITCH.

APPLICATION FILEDJUNE l0, 1918.

Patented Nov. 23, 1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

VENTOR ATTORNEY A. oAKEs. QUICK BREAK DOUBLE THROW SWITCH. APPLICATION FILED JUNE I0, 1918.

1,359,732, Patented N0v.23,1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

'N "I PQ ,4/

NJ I INVE OR fwm ATTORNEY UNITED STATES! PATENT OFFICE.

ARCHIE OAKES, 0F DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR T0 SQUARE D. COMPANY, OF"

DETROIT, MIICI[I(3rAI.\T,- A CORPORATION 0F MICHIGAN.

QUICK-BREAK DOUBLE-THROW SWITCH.

ToV all whom z't may concern.'

Beit known that I, ARCHIE OAKE's. a citizen of the United States, residing at Detroit, in the county of lVayne and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Quick Break Double- Throw Switches, of which the following, taken in 'connection with the accompanying drawings, form a complete and exactI description thereof.

My invention relates to quick break double throw switches generally. These switches may be of the inclosed type and one of the objects of my invention is to provide for the external operation of saiddouble throw quick break switch.V

A further object of my invention is tol provide for a quick break at either limit of the stroke.

A further object of this invention is to generally simplify a construction of quick break switches, whereby a very rugged structure results.

A further object of this invention is to provide means, whereby an intermediate or neutral position may be assumed by.the switch mechanism.

Other objects of this invention will in part be apparent and in part be further described in the detailed description following;

One of the many possible forms this invention may take is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of the inclosed quick break double throw switch, with the cover shown in open position, the cover and casing being shown in dotted lines. Fig. 2 is a partial, longitudinal. medial sectional view of the switch mechanism, with the casing and cover removed. I

Referring now in detail to the drawings, it will be seen from Fig. 1 that the switch is inclosed in a casing. 1. provided with a cover 2, whi h may be lokedv in closed position through the medium of a hasp 3 and cooperating slot (not shown) in the cover and a padlock (also not shown). This cover is provided with a recessed portion 4 to accommodate the switch mechanism, whereby it is possible to operate the switch when the cover is closed.

The switch mechanism is operated by means of an external handle 5, rigidly joined, and in the example shown, integrally Specification of Letters Patent. Patented NOV. 23,

Application filed .Tune 10, 1918. Serial No. 239,119.

with internal operating member 6. Said operating member 6, as will be seen from reference to Fig. v1 consists of a horizontal crank portion of a rod, which is pivotally mounted, substantially, centrally on either side of the body portion, of the casing 1. This crank is adapted to swing from one eX- treme limit to the other, through the operation of the external handle 5.

The operating member 6 is journaled in the horizontal link 7, which upon reference to Fig. 1 will be seen to consist of two members oined by means of suitable rivets, bolts or connecting members 8, intermediate the ends and also joined with suitable bearing members 9. These bearing members 9 consist of rivets or bolts and suitable spacing tubes or casings 10. which are clearly shown in Fig. 2.

The link 7 is compelled to travel in such a manner that it, at all times, occupies positions parallel to its initial position by means of end links 11, which are connected to the horizontal linkt" 7 through the medium of the bearing members 9. The lower ends of these links 1l are pivotally connected at 12 to supporting members 13, rigidly mounted upon the insulating base 14.

It will be seen from the above description that upon operation of crank 5, the link 7 may be caused to travel to the extreme limit of its stroke.

The switch blades 15, which are adapted to be thrown to either extreme position and engage the contacts 16 are pivoted at 17 to central contact members 18. The switch blades 15 are given their motion from the link member 7 by means of slotted links 19,

which are mounted upon the intermediate washers 21. The slots of these links 19 are l shown at 20 at their upper ends. and such links are adapted to slide upon the. connecting members 8 'and contact with saidpconneting members at either extreme end of,

journaled upon the cross .head 22 and said cross head is conne/:ted to the pivotal knife blades 15 by means of insulating bushingsr the slot. The lower ends of these links are- 11oVA head 22 by means of springs 25, which tendA to cause the .connecting members 8 to con-- tact with the lower portion of the slots 20, as shown for instance in Fig. 2.

The operation of the Structure described above is as follows:

Upon the operating crank or handle 5 being moved to one extreme limit of motion, the link 7 is carried by the crank 6 and through the medium of the links 19, carries the cross head 22 and with it the .pivotal blades 15 until the pivotal blades 15 v engage the spring contacts 16.

When it 1s desired to o en this switch throughV the medium of the operating crank 5, the parallel link 7 moves upwardly and stretches the springs 25 and thereby places tension upon the cross head 22,-te'nding to withdraw the knife blades 15 from the contact member 16.

When the connecting members 8 contact w1th the upper portion of the slots 20 of the links 19,' the pivotal knife blades 15 are positively withdrawn from engagement with the contact members 16, and when the frictlonal engagement between said blades and contacts reaches a sufiiciently low value, the

springs 25 causev the blades 15 to be quickly withdrawn from the contact 16, causing a very qulck break in the electrical circuit.

It will be seen that the above operation is true for either eXtreme position of the knife blades 15 and from the above construction, it -Cwill be seen that the applicant has provided a very simple and eliicient double throw quick break switch. Y

vIn certain cases it may bevdesirable to vprovide external means for locking thel .switch in neutral or inoperative position and such means are shown in Fig. 1 on the out side of the casing 1. This locking means conf sists of a plate 26 fastened to the casing through-the medium of a flange 28 andprovided at either end with slots 29, which are formed substantially on the arc of the circle. On this plate member 26, there is mounted a spring pressed member 30, which is loosely held 1n engagement with plate 26 by means of headed pins or rivets 31, coperating with the slots 29; the spring for outwardly press- 1n g this member 30 is shown at 32, and it wlll be noted'that the pressure is applied substantially, centrally to. this member 30. T he central portion of the member 30 is provided with a notch o'r cutout 33, adapted to engage the vertical portion 34of the operating crank or member 5. This member `30 1s provided with inclined edges 3'5, which fare adapted to allow the'vertical member 34 to depress this blade or latch member 30, as

said portion 34 rides along the inclined edges 35 until said member 34 snaps into the notch 'v 1 posed means between said operating member vlatch member may be disengaged from `the member 34. Alining openings are provided in the latch member 30 and the plate 26, which are adapted toreceive th'e bail portion of a padlock shown in dotted line and indicated by the reference numeral 37. By means of this padlock, it is possible to lock the switch in off or neutral position.

This latch member 30 performs a further function when the padlock 37 is removed in that it allows the switch to be thrown from one extreme position to the other extreme position only by a very rapid motion to said switch by means of the crank 5. This is possible because of the fact ,that when the member 34 is rapidly passed along the inclined edges 35, the latch member 30 is shot inwardly and the momentum thereof temporarily withdraws the notch 33. overcomes the action of the spring 32, and allows the member 34 to pass by the notch 33.

It will be seen from the above description of this outside lock -or latching mechanism that several very desirable functions are performed. For instance, it is possible to lock the switch in neutral position. It is also possible to temporarily retain the switch in neutral position and readily unlatch said switch operating mechanism, whereby it may be moved from neutral position and-.further that it necessitates a quick motion from one extreme position to the other eXtreme position, when it is desired to throw the switch completely over.

In certain types and electrical systems, this rapid change from one set of connections to the other is very desirable and the mechanism above described prevents the inadvertentl slow change of connections. It is possible, however, to make said change of connections by moving the crank slowly to neutral' position, then depressing the finger piece 36 and moving the switch on over to the other extreme position. This, however, it will be seen requires the deliberate operation of the operator and cannotbe done inadvertently.

It will be seen from the above description that a very practical rugged type of quick lbreak double throw switch has been designed, which is practically fool proof and lsalso possessed of a great. many desirable functions, as have beenin part outlined above.

The above detailed description and drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrated sense only and not in a limited sense, as it is intended that the invention shall be limited only as defined by the following claims 1. A quick break, doublel throw switch having stationary and coperating movable contacts, an operating member, and inten" andmovable contacts including parallel link mechanism and resilient means coperating with said link mechanism for securing a quick break.

2. A quick break, double throw switchv having stationary and coperating movable contacts, an operating member, and interposed means between said movable contacts and operating member including a plurality of slotted links each of which coperates to control each movement of the movable contacts.

3. A quick break, double throw switch having stationary and coperating movable contacts, an operating member and interposed means between said movable contacts and operating member including a plurality of slotted links and having resilient means for securing a quick break, the said resilient means all coperating to obtain said quick break.

4. A` quick break, double throw switchha'ving stationary and coperating'movable contacts, an operating member and interposed means, between said movable contact and operating member including` a plurality of angularly disposed slotted links, all of which coperate with said movable contacts for each movement thereof.

5. A quick break, double throw switch having stationary and coperating movable contacts, an operating member, a parallel link mechanism interposed between said operating member and movable contacts andA slotted links interconnecting said movable contacts and operating member.

6. A quick break, double throw switch having stationary and coperating movable contacts, an operating member, a parallel link mechanism, interposed between said operating member and movable contacts and connected to said movable contacts through the medium of a slotted link, having resilient means. n l

7 A quick break, double throw switch .having stationary and cooperating movable contacts, an operating member, a parallel' link mechanism interposed between said operating member and movable contacts, and a plurality of angularly disposed slotted links interconnecting said movable contacts and said operating member. Y

8. A quicky break, double throw switch having stationary and cooperating movable contacts. an operating member, a parallel link mechanism interposed between said operating member and movable contacts and connected to said movable contacts through the medium of a plurality of angularly disposed slotted links, having resilient means.

9. A quick break, double throw switch having a plurality of stationary and movable contacts, a cross rhead connecting said movable contacts, an operating member, intermediate means connecting said operating member and cross head including two angularly disposed members both coperating for X b`.v. 8

positively controlling each motion of the movable contacts throughout the maj or portion of their movement.

10. A quick break, double throwl switch having a plurality of stationary and movable contacts, a cross head connecting said movable contacts, an operating member, intermediate means" connecting vsaid operating member and cross head including angularly arranged members, provided with resilient means all of which coperate for positively controlling lthe motion ofthe movable contacts throughout the major portion of their movement and for securing a quick break.

11. A quick break, double throw switch having a plurality of stationary and movable contacts, a cross head connecting said movable contacts, an operating member, intermediate means connecting said operating member and cross head, including two angularly disposed slotted links for positively` 13. A qulck break, double throw switchv having a plurality of stationary and moyable contacts, across head connectlng said movable contacts, an'operating member, in-

terposed means between said operating member and cross head including a parallel link mechanism and means comprising sloted links connecting said parallel link and cross head for positively controlling the motion of the movable contacts throughout the major portion of their movement.

14. A quick break, double throw switch having a plurality of stationary and cooperating movable contacts, a cross head connecting said movable contacts, an operating member, a parallel link mechanism connected to said operating member. a plurality of slotted links connecting said parallel linkto said cross head for positively con.- trolling the motion of the movable contacts" throughout the major portion of their movement.

.15. A quick break, double throw switch having a plurality of stationaryv and movable contacts, a cross head connectlng said movable contacts, an operating member, a parallel link mechanism directly connected to said operating member, intermediate connections between said parallel link and said cross head, including resilient means wheref by said movable contacts are controlled by operation of the movable member" and a quick break secured.

16. A quick break, double throw switch having a plurality of stationary and cooperating movable contacts, a cross head connecting said movable contacts, an`operating member, a link directly connected to said operating member and constrained to l0 occupy parallel positions, a plurality of angularly disposed slotted links and resilient means, cooperating with the first mentioned link and with the cross head, whereby the movable contacts are positively lactu- 15 ated throughout the major portion of their movement and resiliently actuated during a portion vof their breaking movement.

17. A quick break, double throw switch comprisinga plurality of' stationary and movable contacts, a cross head connecting said movable contacts, an operating member, a link directly connecting to said operating member, auxiliary links connected` to the end of the first mentioned link and slot- 4 ted links connecting said cross head and said first mentioned link, whereby the movable' contacts may be operated by manipulation of said operating member.

ARCHIE OAKES. 

